Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Germany's Chemical Sector Faces Historic Decline and Stress

11/14/2025

40 3

Summary

Story summary

Confidence in Germany's chemical industry declined in October, per an Ifo survey, with economic expectations at -13.3 and the business climate at -19.4.
High production costs and fierce competition have driven BASF and Covestro to lower their annual forecasts.
Order backlogs dropped to -68.9 points, a three-decade low.
Capacity utilization fell to 71%, underscoring stress in the sector and the need for reforms.

1 of 1

Story summary

Confidence in Germany's chemical industry declined in October, per an Ifo survey, with economic expectations at -13.3 and the business climate at -19.4.
High production costs and fierce competition have driven BASF and Covestro to lower their annual forecasts.
Order backlogs dropped to -68.9 points, a three-decade low.
Capacity utilization fell to 71%, underscoring stress in the sector and the need for reforms.